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Nicholas Brendon never shied away from sharing his health struggles.
Before the Buffy the Vampire Slayer died on March 20 from natural causes, Nicholas and his family had kept his fans updated about the health issues that the 54-year-old was facing.
Especially when he had to be rushed to the hospital in August 2022 after suffering from a cardiac incident and getting diagnosed with tachycardia, a congenital heart defect in which the heart beats abnormally fast.
“Nicky sends his love and wanted me to apologize that he hasn’t been going live as much lately and to give everyone an update,” his sister wrote in a since-deleted Instagram post, perThe Los Angeles Times. “Nicky is doing fine now but he had to be rushed to emergency about two weeks ago because of a cardiac incident (tachycardia/arrhythmia).”
She also explained Nicholas had faced a similar health scare in 2021 after undergoing a second spinal surgery to help manage his cauda equina syndrome (CES), a rare medical emergency that happens when nerve bundles in the lumbar or sacral spine are compressed or not functioning properly, according to American Association of Neurological Surgeons.
“He is trying to get a little more rest,” his sister added, “and has been concentrating on medical appointments.”
Nicholas’ serious spinal injury was triggered by a fall he’d had in February 2021, which required immediate surgery to prevent paralysis, his manager Theresa Fortier told the L.A. Times. His spinal cord was then punctured during a spinal surgery in October 2021, which she said resulted in tachycardia.
Still, the Criminal Minds star did his best to keep himself grounded through his ordeal, sharing photos of paintings he did to his Instagram.
Bobby Bank/WireImage
“Sorry for the extra long disappearing act,” he wrote on Instagram in 2023, alongside one of his paintings. “After two spinal surgeries and a heart attack, I've had multiple doctor appointments to juggle.”
Indeed, it was tough to handle, as Nicholas explained that "dealing with health insurance and pre-approvals feels nearly as emotionally exhausting and painful as dealing with my actual injuries.”
He added, “I also needed time to rest...or at least as much as I'm capable of resting.”
Nicholas’ family confirmed his passing to The Hollywood Reporter March 20, saying he died in his sleep. They also went on to remember him for his enthusiasm for entertainment and art.
“He was passionate, sensitive, and endlessly driven to create,” they said in a statement. “Those who truly knew him understood that his art was one of the purest reflections of who he was.”
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